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Karl Lagerfeld on Hedi at Céline

As he greeted movie stars, fans, editors and mere mortals backstage after the Chanel haute couture show, what was Karl Lagerfeld wearing? But, of course it was a double breasted black velvet tuxedo jacket by Hedi Slimane – the designer of the moment in Paris.

“Yes it is Hedi from Saint Laurent. Though he kindly cut off the tag and put my name on instead. There are some names that I can never wear on my back!” quipped Lagerfeld, in reference to the greatest designer feud in history –the half-century long between Yves and Karl.

Warming to the subject, Karl continued: “I love the idea of Hedi at Céline. Bernard had a great idea. Huh? I wanted Hedi back in Paris. He is a real friend not a vague connection. I missed him. He is brilliant.”

As noted, Céline announced the appointment of Slimane as the house’s Artistic, Creative and Image Director on Monday morning. Céline is one of nearly a dozen fashion houses within the LVMH luxury empire, whose Chairman and controlling shareholder is Bernard Arnault.

Slimane's ultimate boss will be Sidney Toledano who is leaving his job as CEO of Christian Dior to become head of the LVMH Fashion Group, which includes Céline. His successor at Dior is Pietro Beccari who will oversee two creative directors for women’s fashion and menswear, respectively, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Kris Van Assche.

“But it will be tough for Pietro Beccari, now he has left Fendi to become president of Dior. And it will be tough for Kris and Maria Grazia. Huh? But, to be clear, Hedi is a professional killer. That’s what I like about him. And it’s very good for Sidney Toledano. Huh?” concluded Lagerfeld with a huge chuckle.